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Ninth Annual ‘Midnight at the OASIS’ Celebration Held Friday, May 4, at Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock

By Paul T. Choate

May 2, 2012. On Friday, May 4, from 7 to 11 p.m. the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock will host the ninth annual “Midnight at the OASIS” celebration and benefit for OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter) of Boone.

Live music will be provided by Asheville-based band Latitude, who play a variety of jazz, folk, R&B and soul.

“They’re a great, great band,” said Rebecca Gummere, associate director of OASIS.

There will also be a belly dancing demonstration and lessons provided by the belly dancing group Lost Jewels of the Ghawazee.

“[Midnight at the OASIS is] our major fundraiser of the year,” said Gummere. “We like to celebrate the fact that we’re a very strong agency with a lot of grassroots support. We would like to create a community that is free of this kind of violence.”

According to Gummere, last year OASIS provided support to over 360 survivors of abuse.

New to this year’s celebration will be an expressive artwork exhibit.

“We have support groups and some of the activities we do in those groups have to do with expressive art,” said Gummere. “I think it displays what the healing process can look like – how people can reclaim their lives and realize that they deserve good lives and that they are strong and powerful people.”

Last year, over 250 people attended the event and Gummere said she expects a similar turnout this year. She also noted how helpful the Meadowbrook Inn has been with the event.

“They make us a great deal. They charge us something close to a mere pittance. I think they like the party being there too. They’ve been great to work with and they are extremely generous in providing us the space.”

Tickets to the event are $30 and include Middle Eastern themed heavy hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds from the event benefit OASIS. The Meadowbrook Inn will also be offering discounted room rates for $89.

Tickets can be purchased at the OASIS office, located at 225 Birch St., Suite 4, in Boone or by visiting oasisinc.org. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the event.

For more information, call 828-264-1532.

About OASIS

Founded in 1978, OASIS, Inc. is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County, North Carolina.  OASIS works toward this mission in three ways:

  1. Providing comprehensive emergency services, transitional support, and a safe environment for survivors as they explore options for a violence-free life.
  2. Providing education and skill development to encourage families in our community to create and maintain healthy peer and intimate partner relationships that are based on respect and equality.
  3. Helping to create a community that supports survivors through advocacy and education.

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